Can Language Influence Our Perception of Reality? 12/31/2016

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/uc/2014/06/can_language_influence_our_perception_of_reality.html

     Language is communication, whether it be written, spoken, or sign language; all play a major role in human survival as it influences our perception of life. Shaped in part by environmental factors, language helps us create friendships as well as cultural ties that simply enables us to learn and grow. For this reason language is very important, however, it can be easily manipulated to "change" a message and thus, communication as a whole. To demonstrate, in a study conducted by Lera Boroditsky, an associate professor of cognitive science at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), language helps shape "many aspects of the world, including space and time." Professor Boroditsky even found that using different words in a sentence can have drastic implications. Specifically, when describing the economy using the word "stalled" as opposed to the word "ailing" (or vice versa) it was found that the difference is crucial. In the case of the economy, the word “stalled” implies the need for a quick solution. As Professor Boroditsky says, “When we use that analogy we’re implying that a short term financial stimulus will help us get the economy going again.” In contrast, when the economy is “ailing,” like a sick patient, it requires constant, long-term care. Essentially, the slight variation of a sentence can completely change its meaning and the way it is expressed to others. This is often used in the media to provoke a specific response or emotion from the audience such as feelings of fear or ease; which in turn can change our perception of reality and the way we view one another. As shown in the image below, word choice is an important factor that can impact our decisions as well as beliefs. Although both papers are from The Wall Street Journal, they obviously have different intentions and positions on the topic at hand. This just goes to show how powerful and manipulative language can be.